Memorial Day 2011

Normally our Memorial Day consists of camping, BBQs, and other family events, but this year I wanted to help the kids understand a little more of what Memorial Day really is.  We decided to visit the Field of Heroes in Pocatello and I am so glad we did.

The first thing that the kids found was a huge banner welcoming

 home the 116th, which Tony is currently deployed with.

The kids were so excited when they found out that they could actually sign it themselves!

We took along my niece-Tayler and my nephew-Blake. Their dad is also deployed with the 116th.

The Field of Heroes takes place at Century High School.  A cross was

 placed in this field for every casualty Iraq and Afghanistan.

 

There were more than 5,000 crosses placed in this field.

The kids wanted to read as many crosses as they could.

One area of the field was dedicated to our Idaho soldiers who had lost their lives fighting.

These crosses made the most impact on the kids. They wanted to read each and every cross in full. The crosses gave information about where and how they were killed and where they were from.

There was also a POW/MIA area.

There were two soldiers from Idaho there.

I don't think we could have made a better choice for Memorial Day this year.

 This was a great learning experience for the kids and a great reminder to myself of all the sacrifices these brave men and women have made for our country.

Mommy...I think I have a problem!!

I heard yelling from the basement today, "MOMMY!"  It's not abnormal for Aubree to just yell for me so I just kept on doing what I was doing without thinking twice.   About 20 minutes later Aubree emerged from her room...."MOMMY, I think I have a problem!"

Me: "Aubree, what happened???"

Aubree: "I got a guitar stuck in my hair!"

 Me: "What?"

Aubree: "MOMMY, I ALREADY TOLD YOU, I GOT A GUITAR STUCK IN MY HAIR!!!"

 

Aubree couldn't (or maybe didn't want to) tell me how it happened, but it had to be the craziest thing I've seen stuck in someone's hair!

She wasn't impressed with all the pictures, but this one was one I couldn't resist!

After about 15 minutes, we were free and we had saved most of the hair!

She was all smiles and laughed about this a couple hours later. :)

Three Piggy Opera

Welcome to the Three Piggy Opera!!!

starring as the Big Bad(and scary) Wolf....

 AUBREE CHRISTIANSEN

Aubree has quite a talent for singing and acting! It was really

 no surprise  that she was cast as the Big Bad

Wolf in her school performance. 

 She took her part to a whole new level, practicing her scary wolf face at home!

 As you can see, she did amazing! She's quite the girl!!

Bear World

This year Aubree and I got to go to Yellowstone Bear World with our school.

Aubree and I thought it would be fun if she hung out with me and spent time with my class.

This made for an extra fun day for the both of us.

They have the cutest little baby bear cubs!

The kids were lucky enough to be able to pet them.

We had great time in the petting zoo.

                                                      

You really can't pass up one of these without sticking your head through the hole...

   



There's small stream that runs through the petting zoo and before I knew it Aubree and a small group of kids were busily trying to see who could jump over it.

Now for the good stuff....heading in to see the bears.

There were probably 10 bears that we were able to get a glimse of.



Aubree doesn't normally ride the bus, so she was extra excited about the bus ride!!

Even though the bears were a little scary...

...we had a fabulous day!

We all had such a great time that on the way home half of the bus was sound asleep!

Happy Mother's Day

Today is one of my favorite days of the year. I love that my kids get so excited to bring home those fabulous gifts that they make at school.  The ones that mean the world to them and to me. They tried to let me sleep this morning, but they were so excited to give me the treasures they had been hiding.

 Not to mention the sweet cards

I have been given the greatest gift in life. These four amazing kids brighten each and every day of my life.



It really wouldn't be Mother's Day without mentioning my own Mother. 

 My mom is hands down one of the most amazing people I know. She has given me love and support throughout my life. She helped pick me up when I have been down and listened when I needed an ear. Her example has taught me life lessons that I will hold dear throughout my life.  Not only has she been a fabulous Mama, but she is one amazing Grandmother! I am so lucky to have such a wonderful Grandma for my kiddos!

Happy Mother's Day to all my family and friends. I love you all!!

Hello Blogging World!

Thanks to one of my new found friends and the inspiration of her great blog ( Mindy you rock)! I have entered the world of blogging! Thanks for tuning in!